AN/PVS-15 Dual Tube Night Vision Binocular

Used by U.S. Special Forces, the AN/PVS-15 (M953) is a rugged, lightweight, self-contained dual tube binocular system. Offering better depth perception than single tube systems, the AN/PVS-15 provides the same performance characteristics as found in aviator systems. The AN/PVS-15 can be hand-held or used as a helmet-mounted goggle and is specifically designed for critical missions where high performance and depth perception are vital elements.





The PVS-15 can hand-held or helmet-mounted and provides the capability for operators to see clearly at night. The system amplifies ambient light from sources such as the moon, stars and skyglow so the viewed scene becomes clearly visible to the operator. The AN/PVS-15 has the following important features:

1. Powered by a single “AA” size battery, any voltage between 1.5 and 5.0 vdc.


2. If the battery voltage becomes low, a light-emitting diode (LED) comes on before the image intensifier tubes shut down.


3. Adjusts for eye-span, diopter setting and objective focus


4. Is submersible to 66 feet for two hours.


5. The helmet mount adjusts for vertical distance and eye relief, and may be flipped up and temporarily stowed.

The AN/PVS-15 dual tube night vision binocular system is subject to the following limitations, which are typical of most night vision systems:

1. The system requires some night light (moonlight, starlight, etc., ) to operate. Night light is reduced by such factors as passing cloud covers and objects that produce shadows.


2. The equipment is less effective viewing through rain, fog, sleet, snow, smoke and other reflective materials as well as into shadows and darkned areas.


3. Under starlight conditions, low-contrast environments (such as snow-covered territory, sand deserts, large bodies of water or grassy hills) degrade visibility, thereby disguising or masking changes in the terrain.


4. Under low-light conditions, the goggles lose some of the resolution that they have under high-light conditions.


5. Some goggles may experience a measurable loss of performance at temperatures above 100F (38C). This is caused by ambient heat beginning to increase thermionic emissions of the photocathode. If this begins to occur, it will appear as though you are looking through eye-glasses that are starting to fog or develop a slight haze.

For clarity and depth perception in night vision systems, this system is unparalleled.